Bishops of England and Wales Endorse Civil Partnerships

In their November 25, 2011 issue, The Tablet, a leading Catholic news and opinion publication from the United Kingdom, reported that the Bishops of England and Wales have endorsed the idea of civil partnerships (what those in the U.S. refer to as “civil unions” or “domestic partnerships”)  From The Tablet:

Archbishop praises civil partnerships

The Bishops of England and Wales believe civil partnerships successfully provide a legal protection for those in same-sex relationships, according to the Archbishop of Westminster.
“We would want to emphasise that civil partnerships actually provide a structure in which people of the same sex who want a lifelong relationship [and] a lifelong partnership can find their place and protection and legal provision,” Archbishop Vincent Nichols said at a press conference after the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales meeting last week.

“The Church’s support for marriage between a man and a woman does not mean that unmarried persons of any sex should be denied the right to enter into legal arrangements with one another regarding medical decision making, life insurance, the disposition of property, and other benefits, which often can be accomplished through a simple power of attorney. Nor should the recognition and promotion of marriage between a man and a woman – a relationship valued in church and civil law more highly than any other – imply discrimination against homosexual persons. “The Church’s teaching about the dignity of homosexual persons is clear. They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Our respect for them means we condemn all forms of unjust discrimination, harassment or abuse.” (5)”